The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1887-03-12
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher Strick
en- Down by Apoplexy.
All Hope for His Recovery Abandoned, and
His Family, Friends and Congrega-
ton SorrowfuIly Awaiting
the Final Summons.

ton SOrrOwfuIly Awaiting
the Final Summons.
New YORK, March 5-The Rev Henry
Ward Beecher has had a stroke Of
apoplexy, and now lies unconscious
While hoping that the attack may not
prove fatal grave fears are entertained
by his family and intimate friends that
his labors as pastor in this world have
ended. Mr. Beecher resides with his son,
Colonel Henry Beccher. at the corner Of
Hicks and Clark streets, in Brooklyn. A
son, who is in the West, another in San
Francisco, and Mrs. Seville, his
daughter, have been telegraphed for
Colonel Beecher has also telegraphed
for his son, who is IN Yale
College. Colonel Beecher and his
brother, ex-Assi5tant District At
torney William c. Beecher, with his wife
and Mrs. Beecher, were at the bedside of
the great clergyman all day to-day. They
were completely overcome with grief at
his condition. He has always been in
such good health, and was apparently so
hale for his age that they could hardly
realize that he was lying there in such
helpless condition. His attack came on
so gradually that his wife and son were
unable to realize the full extent of his ILL
ness.
BROOKLYN, N, Y, March 6-The anxiety
of hundreds of citizens of Brooklyn to
learn the condition of Rev. Henry Ward
Beecher led them to visit the residence Of
his son, Colonel Henry Beecher, at Clark
and Hicks streets, at an early hour this
morning Only the immediate friends Of
the family were admitted, but as soon as
any one emerged from the dwelling where
the great preacher was lying at the point
of death, they were eagerly questioned by
the throng who surrounded the house.
They had no word of encouragement in
regard to his condition, for he had lain in
an unconscious condition since Saturday
| afternoon, and had not since that time
given any evidence that he recognized any
person about his bedside. Up to that
time he had been able to raise his right
hand to his head and give them to under
stand that he was suffering considerable
| pain, but in the evening he seemed to
pass into comatose state, his breathing
was hard and he lost the power of NOV
ing his body.
Mrs. BeeCher was by his bedside good
| portion of the night, and she was relieved
by her daughter, Mrs, Scoville, who ar
rived early last evening The medicine
prescribed by the physician was regularly
taken, and Mr. Beecher had no difficulty
in swallowing it.
| DR.. Searle, his family physician, reached
the house shortly after eight o'clock this
morning and, after an examination, con-
| cluded that Mr.. Beecher was not as well
as last evening, and it was probably only
question of a few hours when he would
pass away. He was not surprised at Mr..
Beecher's condition, having anticipated an
unfavorable change.
All efforts to arouse Mr. Beecher to any
sense of consciousness proved unavailing.
The family were, Of course, overcome
with grief, it being difficult for them to
realize that there was no hope Of change
for the better.
At four o'clock this morning there
seemed to be change for the worse, and
all the members of the family were sum-
moned. Breathing almost ceased, and dis
solution seemed near. The patient was
wholly unconscious, but half an hour later
a rally took place.
At ten o'clock another alarming relapse
occurred. Major Pond took a carriage and
FASTENED to DR.. Hammond's Office in New
York. The doctor was so engaged that he
could not leave, and he sent a request TO
DR.. VIM. Todd Helmuth TO go instead, and
wait until he came. Dr. Helmuth assent
cd, and drove back with Major Pond, and
at II a. m. this bulletin was issued:
Prof Helmuth in consultation, fully confirms
the opinion Of the other physicians. Mr.. Beech
er is gradually falling. He may, however, live
| for several days.
[Signedl W. S. SEARLE
By this time there was a crowd of sew.
eral hundred persons around the house
who pressed eagerly forward to scan the
bulletin. Then some Of them moved sadly
away to the church, short distance from
the house, and listened to the mournful
services, which ony served to remind
them more forcibly of him who had been
stricken from the pulpit he had occupied
so long. a.
An hour or so later DR.. Ham ac,
rived at the house and consulted "a .,
Doctors Searle and Helmuth, and the
lowing bulletin was issued:
March $3.50 p. m.
DR.. Hammond In consultation. Mr.. Beechel
in deep state Of coma all day. No sign o
pain OF CONSCIOUSNESS OF any SORT Death con
sidered certain, but at an indefinite time-prob
ably not to-day.
tSignedl W. s. SEARLE.
Mr.. Thos. g. Shearman and other i'm
mediate friends Of the family were ad
mitted TO the sick room during the day
and one after another emerged with eye;
filed with tears. In the afternoon 1t re
quired the services Of two policemen t,
kee p the steps TO the dwelling from being
blocked completely by the crowd.
DR.. Searle made another call upon Mr.
Beecher about five o'clock, and said tina
he thought he was breathing easier, anC
he did not look for immediate dissolution
1t was his opinion that Mr.. Beecher woulC
live until tomorrow,